Redescription and sexual dimorphism of Chordodes balzani Camerano, 1896 (Nematomorpha)

De Villalobos, C., Hancock, E. G. and Zanca, F. (2004) Redescription and sexual dimorphism of Chordodes balzani Camerano, 1896 (Nematomorpha). Journal of Natural History, 38(18), pp. 2305-2313. (doi: 10.1080/00222930310001625923)

Abstract

Taxonomic characters of both male and female horse-hair worms, Chordodes balzani Camerano, 1897 Camerano, L. 1897. Monografia dei Gordii. Memoria della Reale Accademia delle Scienze di Torino, 47: 339–419. [Google Scholar] (Nematomorpha), are re-described using scanning electron microscopy with freshly collected material. The features are compared with the original description. Chordodes balzani cuticle has six different areolar types. The paired crown areoles, characteristic of Chordodes, are surrounded by other areoles forming clusters. Sexual dimorphism was found in the cuticular pattern, the female showing two different types of crowned areole with a distinct distribution pattern while the male has only one type of crown areole more generally distributed over the body surface. These data are compared to other Chordodes species that have been studied. The sexual dimorphism described here appears to be consistent for the Neotropical species. Host information and new distribution records are reported. A neotype is erected as the original material cannot be traced.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hancock, Mr Geoff
• Authors: De Villalobos, C., Hancock, E. G., and Zanca, F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Journal of Natural History
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 0022-2933
• ISSN (Online): 1464-5262